4 Ways Elderly Care Can Help Seniors Avoid the Flu

Autumn has arrived. While you might be enjoying the fall colors and cooler temperatures, it’s time to start thinking of one of the more unpleasant things that fall brings—the start of flu season.
For most people, getting the flu is merely unpleasant. However, for older adults, it can be dangerous. People who are aged 65 and older are at a greater risk of having serious complications due to the flu. It can even be deadly. Fortunately, there are things that can help prevent your aging relative from getting the flu this year and elderly care can help with all of them. Below are just 4 ways elderly care can do to prevent flu in seniors.

#1: Transportation for Vaccinations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single best way to prevent flu is to get an annual flu vaccination. It’s important to get a shot every year since the vaccination is reformulated each year to protect against the viruses scientists predict will be most common that year. Medicare Part B pays for one flu shot each season.

Getting a flu shot can be difficult for seniors who are no longer able to drive. Elderly care can offer transportation to a clinic or other facility where flu shots are available.

#2: Disinfecting Household Surfaces

Germs can be spread when someone touches a surface where the flu virus is present. To avoid spreading germs, experts recommend frequently washing areas that are touched a lot, such as countertops, faucets, and doorknobs.

Elderly care providers can help to keep the senior’s home clean and germ-free. They can wipe down surfaces using disinfecting cleaners and perform other household cleaning tasks.

#3: Washing Hands

Frequent and thorough hand washing can also prevent the spread of germs. Hands should be washed using soap and water. After lathering, scrub hands for about 20 seconds, which is roughly the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer instead.

Elderly care providers can remind older adults to wash their hands often. If your aging relative has cognitive problems that make hand washing difficult, an elderly care provider can wash their hands for them or break the task down into simple steps.

#4: Supporting Good Health

Being in poor general health may make catching the flu more likely. Elderly care can help your loved one to stay healthier overall, which may lower their risk of flu. Elderly care providers can make healthy meals and snacks, help the senior to be more physically active, and remind them to take medications prescribed by the doctor.

Has been in the staffing business since 1970.The original company LIKEN SERVICES, INC. was a general service staffing company specializing in the administrative, clerical, secretarial all office support staff positions (both temporary and direct hire) with 14 branch offices in and around W. PA and Upstate NY.As a division of that company, LIKEN HEALTH CARE, INC. was started in 1974 as a medical staffing company that staffed hospitals and other health care facilities.In 1976,we began to “follow the patients home” and at that point we started providing private duty home care. In 1995, the general staffing company was sold to a national, public company, and the health care staffing company was retained. Since 1995, we have concentrated our efforts in the health care marketplace.

Due to the aging baby boomers and the fact people are just living longer, in the late 90’s we refocused the company and today Liken specializesin providing private duty assisted living to those who need help to remain at home.A valuable service that allows an individual to remain independent in their homes for a much longer period of time as well as maintain a high level of quality of life.

Today, we specialize in providing private duty home care (Liken Home Care) to the elderly, the recovering ill, and the disabled in all of Western Pa.

In addition, Robert isCPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) and a CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist); professional designations of the National Association of Personnel Services.

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Who Needs Care at Home?*

How Old is the Person Who Needs Care?*

Male or Female?*

What is their current living situation?*

Estimate How Much Care They Might Need*

What Type of Care is Needed? (Check all that apply)*

Light Meal Preparation

Light Laundry

Light Housekeeping

Companionship

Transportation to Appointments

Grocery Shopping

Errands

Bathing

Toileting

Medication Reminders

Respite Care

Hospice

How will care be paid for?*

Private Funds

Long-Term Care Insurance

Medicaid

Other - (VA Aid and Attendance, Reverse Mortgage, etc)

Many Senior In-Home Care services and products are not covered by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or public assistance. Most individuals and families often need to pay "out-of-pocket" for some or all services requested. Are there other sources of financing available to you, such as Social Security benefits, VA benefits, or Private Funds?*